Torquay Sign Defender Cooper

Torquay United have completed the signing of defender Shaun Cooper on an 18 month contract.

Speculation had been linking the player with us for a few weeks now, and having held a number of discussions, negotiations have now been concluded and he has signed his deal.

Cooper did have a trial with us in the summer, but former manager Alan Knill was very keen on a deal to be done, but unfortunately for whatever reason it couldn't be completed at the time.

The 30 year old has now put pen to paper on a one and a half year deal and will provide good cover as he can perform in any of the back four position.

He has spent the first half of this campaign with Portmouth, which is where he began as a trainee.

In his career so far he has made 304 appearances in all competitions and scored five times.

He has been handed the No 16 shirt for the remainder of this campaign and will be available for the game against Northampton Town at Plainmoor this weekend should manager Chris Hargreaves wish to use him.

Speaking to the Official Site as the signing was announced, Hargreaves said.

"I'm really pleased to bring Shaun into the club. He's a good player, a good person and I hope he enjoys his time at the club. He has real good experience, which will be important to us."